Imagine Flourishing Feeling Good and Doing Good An introduction to positive psychology Judy Hilton Judy.Hilton@tafesa.edu.au
Positive Psychology Positive Psychology is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work and play Martin Seligman Positive Psychology is an umbrella term for work that investigates happiness, wellbeing, human strengths and flourishing Shelley Gable and Jonathan Haidt Learn it, live it, teach it, embed it Geelong Grammar
Flourishing The presence of wellbeing is MORE THAN the absence of illness >
What is wrong with you? & What is right with you?
Flourishing Flourishing has been described as; Feeling Good Functioning Well Think about a time where you were feeling good and functioning well
PERMA Dashboard P ositive emotion E ngagement R elationships M eaning A ccomplishment Strengths of Character Virtues Each is Measurable and each is Teachable
PERMA Plus Dashboard P ositive emotion E ngagement R elationships M eaning A ccomplishment Plus Sleep, Nutrition, Physical Fitness, Optimism Strengths of Character Virtues
Positive Psychology Positive Psychology is not just.
PERMA Why Positive Emotion? The negativity bias Broaden and Build theory Positive emotions broaden our thinking and attention Build our psychological resources and resilience Undo negative emotions and trigger upward spirals Barbara Fredrickson 2001 The balance between positive and negative emotion is critical to wellbeing Gratitude hunt the good stuff
PERMA Positive Emotions Gratitude Hope Joy Inspiration Interest Love Pride Serenity Amusement Awe Fredrickson, 2009
PERMA Positive Engagement Time stood still I was at one with the music so absorbed, nothing else seemed to matter Ingredients for flow Completely focused motivation Balance between the challenge of the task and the skill of the individual. Possible benefits Positive emotion Rejuvenation Improved performance Further learning & skill development
PERMA Positive Engagement
Flow Goldilocks task Not too hard Not too easy JUST RIGHT Using character strengths more is one of the best ways to increase engagement
Strengths Assessments http://www.viacharacter.org
www.viacharacter.org
Character Strengths Using your signature strengths typically: Builds positive emotion. Feels energising and satisfying. Fosters a sense of ownership and authenticity, as well as greater vitality and self-esteem. Increases the rate of learning something new. Increases happiness and decreases depression (at home and at work). How can you find ways to incorporate your signature strengths more in what you do?
PERMA Positive Relationships Other people matter Increase resilience Increase feelings of autonomy, competence & relatedness (self-determination) Buffer against depression One of the strongest indicators of your satisfaction with life
PERMA Positive Meaning People who can identify a source of meaning in their lives report; Greater happiness and life satisfaction Physically and emotionally healthier More resilience Greater sense of control over their lives Hedonic Activities Leisure, rest, fun, enjoyment Eudaimonic Activities Learning, helping someone Short Term Pleasant feelings, less negative emotions, more energy Sustainable Greater life satisfaction
PERMA Meaning and Purpose Who are you? Who are you to others? What do you give to others? What are your core values? Cultivating Altruism Random Acts of Kindness Considering priorities Time machine 110 year old self
PERMA Positive Accomplishment Fixed Mindsets You believe your talents and abilities are set. You must prove yourself over and over, trying to look smart and talented at all times Growth Mindsets You know that talents can be developed and that great abilities are built over time. You believe your qualities can be cultivated through your efforts Carol Dweck 2006 Self Esteem vs Self Worth
PERMA Positive Accomplishment One pathway is GRIT Angela Duckworth PhD studies show grit is essential to high achievement Roughly twice as important as IQ in academic success GRIT = passion and perseverance for long-term goals (stick-to-it-ness)
Pause for breath. We can have the experience, but miss the meaning (attributed to someone famous) In what has been presented. What struck you? What surprised you? What is the key point you have taken from the presentation so far? One question I would like to ask the presenter is
Positive Education and Wellbeing in ECEC Children have a strong sense of identity Children are connected with and contribute to their world Children have a strong sense of wellbeing Children are confident and involved learners Children are effective communicators
Positive Education and Wellbeing in ECEC EDUCATORS have a strong sense of identity EDUCATORS are connected with and contribute to their world EDUCATORS have a strong sense of wellbeing EDUCATORS are confident and involved learners EDUCATORS are effective communicators
Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Feeling Good Doing Good Judy Hilton Judy.Hilton@tafesa.edu.au